As an expert in religious studies, I can provide you with a detailed answer regarding the relationship between religious beliefs and dietary restrictions, specifically concerning the prohibition of meat consumption.

Vegetarianism is a dietary philosophy that abstains from the consumption of meat, and it is indeed closely associated with several religions that originated in ancient India. Among these, Jainism stands out as a religion where vegetarianism is not just a practice but a mandatory requirement for its followers. The principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, is central to Jainism, and this extends to the belief that causing harm to any living being, including through the act of consuming meat, is a form of violence that must be avoided.

Hinduism is another religion that has a strong connection with vegetarianism, although it is important to note that dietary practices can vary widely among Hindus. While not all Hindus are vegetarian, there is a significant number who choose to abstain from meat, particularly among those who adhere to certain philosophical or spiritual beliefs within the religion. The concept of karma, or the law of cause and effect, plays a role in this, as Hindus believe that the actions one takes in life, including dietary choices, can impact one's future lives.

Buddhism also has a complex relationship with vegetarianism. In Theravada Buddhism, which is predominant in countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand, there is no strict prohibition against eating meat, as long as the individual did not kill the animal themselves or witness the act of killing. However, in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in its East Asian forms, there is a stronger emphasis on vegetarianism, influenced by texts like the Lankavatara Sutra and the Nirvana Sutra, which advocate for compassion towards all living beings and the avoidance of meat.

It is also worth mentioning that dietary restrictions can be influenced by cultural and regional factors, and not solely by religious doctrine. For example, in some Buddhist monastic communities, meat consumption may be discouraged or forbidden, but this practice can vary.

In addition to these religions, there are other religious and spiritual traditions that promote vegetarianism or have sects that do so. For instance, within Sikhism, the Langar, a communal meal, is often vegetarian, although Sikhs are not required to be vegetarian.
Seventh-day Adventists also have a history of promoting vegetarianism due to their emphasis on health and longevity.

In conclusion, while Jainism is the religion that most strictly enforces vegetarianism as a core tenet, other religions such as Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism also advocate for vegetarianism, albeit with varying degrees of adherence among their followers. It is essential to understand that religious practices are diverse and can be influenced by numerous factors, including culture, geography, and personal interpretation of religious texts.

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Vegetarianism is strongly linked with a number of religions that originated in ancient India (Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism). In Jainism, vegetarianism is mandatory for everyone; in Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism, it is advocated by some influential scriptures and religious authorities.read more >>